Cenni di Pepo (Giovanni) Cimabue (c. 1240 – c. 1302), also known as Bencivieni di Pepo or in modern Italian, Benvenuto di Giuseppe, is an Italian painter and creator of mosaics from Florence.

Cimabue is generally regarded as the last great Italian painter working in the Byzantine tradition.The art of this period comprises scenes and forms that appear relatively flat and highly stylized.

Cimabue is a pioneer in the move towards naturalism, as his figures are depicted with rather more lifelike proportions and shading.

Even though he is a pioneer in that move, his painting Maesta shows Medieval techniques and characteristics.

The painting is commonly regarded as a painting that exemplifies the Middle Ages.

He is also well known for his student Giotto, considered the first great artist of the Italian Renaissance.